The Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Serum Levels of VEGF in Male Wistar Rats

Endothelial cells differently respond to microgravity condition. The evolution of these responses leads to a more clear understanding of cardiovascular diseases in both gravity and micro-gravity conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of microgravity condition on serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor as a motivator for angiogenesis and vasculogenesis processes. A total of 20 rats were randomly divided into two groups including control group and suspension group. The results showed that the VEGF levels of suspension group were higher than control group but it was not significant (P> 0.05). It seems that the hindlimb suspension model used for stimulating microgravity condition does not affect the VEGF in serum levels in male Wistar rats. This may be the result of the body's adaptive response after six weeks. Another probable reason is that VEGF does not play an effective role in cardiovascular changes in microgravity condition. Also the influences of other factor may affect the results.